Topical Encyclopedia The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judea during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions. Their interactions with publicans (tax collectors) and sinners are frequently highlighted in the New Testament, often serving as a backdrop for Jesus' teachings on grace, repentance, and the kingdom of God.Pharisees and Publicans Publicans, or tax collectors, were generally despised by the Jewish populace due to their association with the Roman authorities and their reputation for extortion. The Pharisees, who prided themselves on ritual purity and adherence to the law, viewed publicans as unclean and sinful. This disdain is evident in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, where the Pharisee prays, "God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector" (Luke 18:11). This parable illustrates the self-righteousness of the Pharisees and contrasts it with the humility and repentance of the tax collector, who pleads, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Pharisees and Sinners The term "sinners" in the Gospels often refers to those who were considered morally or ritually impure by the standards of the Pharisees. Jesus' association with such individuals was a point of contention. The Pharisees questioned His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" (Matthew 9:11). Jesus' response, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick" (Matthew 9:12), underscores His mission to call sinners to repentance and highlights the Pharisees' lack of compassion and understanding of God's mercy. Jesus' Critique of the Pharisees Jesus frequently criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism. In Matthew 23, He rebukes them for their outward displays of piety that mask inner corruption, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). This critique extends to their treatment of publicans and sinners, as Jesus emphasizes the importance of mercy over sacrifice (Matthew 9:13). The Role of the Pharisees in Jesus' Ministry The Pharisees' interactions with publicans and sinners serve as a foil to Jesus' message of redemption. While the Pharisees sought to separate themselves from those they deemed unworthy, Jesus embraced them, offering forgiveness and a path to righteousness. This contrast is central to the Gospel narrative, illustrating the transformative power of grace and the inclusive nature of the kingdom of God. Pharisees' Reaction to Jesus' Ministry The Pharisees' reaction to Jesus' ministry was largely one of opposition. They were scandalized by His willingness to associate with those they considered unclean and were often depicted as plotting against Him. Their rigid interpretation of the law blinded them to the new covenant Jesus was establishing, one that transcended the boundaries of social and religious exclusion. In summary, the Pharisees' association with publicans and sinners in the New Testament highlights the tension between legalism and grace, self-righteousness and repentance. Their interactions with Jesus serve as a powerful reminder of the need for humility, compassion, and an openness to God's transformative love. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 9:11-13And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, Why eats your Master with publicans and sinners? Nave's Topical Index Library The Publicans' Friend B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10 Jesus and the Blind Man. The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... The Adulterous Woman. The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ... The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby. Ill-Temper The Cross as a Social Principle Baptism unto Repentance Resources What are the differences between the Sadducees and Pharisees? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus rebuke the scribes and Pharisees so harshly in Matthew 23:13 36? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Irony: The Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus Pharisees: Association With Publicans and Sinners Pharisees: Become Disciples of Jesus Pharisees: Come to Jesus With Questions Pharisees: Concerning the Resurrection Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by Jesus Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by John Pharisees: They Minister to Jesus Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to Fasting Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Duties of Children to Parents Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Sabbath Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Washing of Hands The Pharisees by Descent, Especially Esteemed The Pharisees: A Sect of the Jews The Pharisees: As a Body, Rejected John's Baptism The Pharisees: Believed in the Resurrection The Pharisees: Character of Active in Proselytising The Pharisees: Character of Ambitious of Precedence The Pharisees: Character of Avaricious The Pharisees: Character of Cruel in Persecuting The Pharisees: Character of Fond of Distinguished Titles The Pharisees: Character of Fond of Public Salutations The Pharisees: Character of Oppressive The Pharisees: Character of Outwardly Moral The Pharisees: Character of Particular in Paying all Dues The Pharisees: Character of Rigid in Fasting The Pharisees: Character of Self-Righteous The Pharisees: Character of Zealous of the Law The Pharisees: Character of Zealous of Tradition The Pharisees: Christ: Asked for Signs By The Pharisees: Christ: Called Fools and Blind Guides The Pharisees: Christ: Called, and Evil and Adulterous Generation The Pharisees: Christ: Called, Serpents and Generation of Vipers The Pharisees: Christ: Compared, to Graves That Appear Not The Pharisees: Christ: Compared, to Whited Sepulchres The Pharisees: Christ: Condemned By, for Associating With Sinners The Pharisees: Christ: Declared the Doctrines of, to be Hypocrisy The Pharisees: Christ: Declared the Imaginary Righteousness of, to be Insufficient The Pharisees: Christ: Denounced Woes Against The Pharisees: Christ: Left Judea for a Time on Account of The Pharisees: Christ: Offended, by his Doctrine The Pharisees: Christ: Often Invited By The Pharisees: Christ: Tempted By, With Questions About the Law The Pharisees: Christ: Watched By, for Evil The Pharisees: Imputed Christ's Miracles to Satan's Power The Pharisees: Made Broad Their Phylacteries The Pharisees: Many Priest and Levites Were of The Pharisees: Many Rulers, Lawyers, and Scribes Were of The Pharisees: Often Sought to Destroy Christ The Pharisees: Sent officers to Apprehend Christ The Pharisees: some Came to John for Baptism The Pharisees: The Strictest Observers of the Mosaic Ritual The Pharisees: Their Opinions, a Standard for Others Related Terms |
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